Jaffa or Jaffa (Israel) is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded in the post – flood period by Noah’s son Japheth. In its name, this city has preserved not only a tribute to history, but also a clear hint of its beauty (in Hebrew, “Jaffa” means “beautiful”).
In 1909, construction began on a new Jewish quarter (suburb) of Jaffa, called Tel Aviv. Since that time, Tel Aviv has grown to a huge metropolis, and now Jaffa is considered part of it, its Old City. In 1950, Jaffa was merged with Tel Aviv, and after the merger, these cities received the common name “Tel Aviv-Jaffa”.
Best of Jaffa’s best attractions
You can read the history of Jaffa in great detail in any guide to Israel, because this old city is a famous tourist center. But no reference book can convey the special silent atmosphere that literally floats in the local air, and those myths and secrets of the past that the walls of old buildings respectfully preserve. Jaffa is literally filled with attractions, and it would be more accurate to say: Jaffa is a tourist attraction. And not only in the traditional sense of the word, but also in a somewhat unusual one. Even if you do not go anywhere, but just walk along the narrow streets of the city, along the stone slabs worn to a shine, you get the impression that this is a journey through time, into the distant past!
And this is despite the fact that over the past decades Jaffa has become a bohemian tourist destination with a large number of restaurants, cafes, art boutiques, art workshops and galleries, theaters, museums. And the population here has chosen the appropriate one: musicians, sculptors, jewelers, artists – their number per 1 m2 is unrealistically high. For some tourists, such an extra volume of art and creative geniuses causes a real panic.
Important! Finding the right place in this ancient city is not very easy. The old streets are very similar, and you can easily get lost among them. Therefore, always take a map of Jaffa with attractions in Russian for a walk, especially if you don’t know how to use interactive maps on your phone.
In Jaffa, there is a unique quarter of zodiac signs-its appearance is explained by the desire to reconcile the numerous diasporas whose representatives live here. Streets with such neutral names seem to show that no one is better or worse, everyone is equal. There is already a tradition among tourists: you need to find a street with your zodiac sign and touch the sign to attract good luck.
Important! Wear comfortable shoes to enjoy your walk. The ideal option is sneakers. Almost all the streets are rough and there are many dangerous descents.
And now for more details about some of the sights of old Jaffa – the most unusual, the most historical, the most artistic. In general, about the most-most. And while searching for these places, be sure to deviate from the route and see everything you can! So you will see a lot of unusual things, but if you accidentally find yourself on a private territory, then just apologize and leave-no one will touch the tourists.
Hidden among the many old streets is a completely unusual landmark that has become a must-see photo spot for all visitors to Jaffa and Israel. It is not easy to find it, the landmark is as follows: go from Mazal Dagim Street to Mazal Arie Street.
The floating orange tree was designed and created by sculptor Ran Morin in 1993. The tree grows in a large oval pot, and it looks as if it is hatching from an egg. The pot hangs on strong ropes attached to the walls of nearby buildings.
This unusual installation makes a lot more sense than it might seem at first glance. There are many interpretations, and everyone can understand how it is convenient for them. Here are just two versions:
- The tree in the egg is a theme for thinking about how we live as if in a shell, moving further away from the earth and nature, finally breaking the last ties with our ancestors.
- This monument is a symbol of the Jewish people, torn out of their land and scattered all over the world, but continuing to live and bear fruit.
Frank Meisler Sculpture Gallery
Very close to the orange tree installation, there is another attraction on Simtat Mazal Arie 25: the Frank Meisler gallery. Its owner is the sculptor Frank Meisler, known not only in the city of Jaffa and Israel, but also around the world. Meisler’s works are on display in London, Brussels, and New York, and many famous people collect them.
In the salon you can see a lot of interesting things. Frank Meisler was able to appreciate the talent of Vladimir Vysotsky and very accurately show the life of the singer in a sculptural composition. And how original the sculptor portrayed Sigmund Freud! No less unusual is the figure of the legendary Pablo Picasso with his rich and diverse inner world.
You can view the masterpieces of the famous Frank Meisler absolutely for free. Salon opening hours:
- Saturday is a day off;
- Sunday-Thursday-from 10: 30 to 18: 30;
- Friday from 10: 00 to 13: 00.
St. Peter’s Church and St. Tabitha’s Metochion
The city of Jaffa is the place where the Holy Apostle Peter had a vision, and where he raised the righteous Tabitha from the dead. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are many religious churches here, including those dedicated to the Apostle Peter.
In 1868, Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin) purchased a plot of land in Jaffa, where there was a hospice for Orthodox pilgrims. In 1888, an Orthodox church was built on this site, and in 1894 it was already consecrated. This cathedral is very similar to our usual Orthodox churches.
On the territory of the monastery there is another Orthodox attraction – the burial cave of the Tavifa family. A beautiful chapel rises above the tomb.
Located at 157 Herzl Street, these religious sites in old Jaffa are open daily from 8: 00 to 19: 00.
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
On Kikar Kdumim Square (it is often called the square of antiquities) there is another church of the Apostle Peter, but already a Franciscan one. The high bell tower of this religious landmark can be seen from all along the coast.
The first church on this site was built in 1654, using the remains of the old citadel of the XIII century. The building that exists now was built in 1888-1894.
The interior of the church is very beautiful: a high vaulted ceiling, walls with marble cladding and beautiful panels, stained glass windows depicting the most important moments from the life of the Apostle Peter, a unique carved pulpit in the form of a tree.
You can enter the church at any time, and the mass schedule is available at the entrance. Masses are held here in many languages: English, Italian, Spanish, Polish and German.
In front of the temple there is a platform that offers a very beautiful view of another attraction of Jaffa and Israel – the ancient port.
Port of Jaffa
Initially, Jaffa was one of the most important ports of Ancient Israel, and it was here that pilgrims sailed here on their way to Jerusalem.
Today, the port no longer operates in its former rhythm, it has become more of a tourist attraction. It has one of the most popular recreation areas in the city with restaurants, cafes, shops, and exhibition halls (the old docks were converted into these establishments). Although, there are still fishing boats and pleasure boats moored here – you can rent a yacht or boat and look at Tel Aviv from the sea.
Please note! On Saturday (a day off), there are a lot of people in the port, and long queues gather at the best restaurants. To see one of the most interesting sights of Jaffa in a more relaxed atmosphere, it is better to come here on a weekday, when there are fewer people.
At the entrance to the port, not far from the shore, stands Andromeda Rock. As the legends say, Andromeda, who was saved by Perseus, was chained to her.
Gate of Faith and observation deck
The next attraction in Jaffa is the Gate of Faith, which is located on the hill of Rejoicing in the city’s Abrasha Park. The Gate of Faith is a fairly well-known architectural monument created by Israeli sculptor Daniel Kafri at the end of the last century. The stone from which the monument is made is a Galilean stone taken from the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
The sculpture consists of three pillars 4 meters high, forming a high arch. Each stone is covered with allegorical figures that illustrate the plots of biblical stories.:
- the sacrifice of Abraham,
- Jacob’s dream with the promise of the land of Israel;
- the capture of Jericho by the Jews.
It is also said that this landmark symbolizes the faith of the people of Israel in their chosen one.
By the way, the Hill of Jubilation is also an observation deck from which you can look at Tel Aviv and the old city of Jaffa, at the endless expanses of the sea.
Mahmoud Mosque
The best example of the shrines of the Muslim religion in Jaffa is the Mahmoud Mosque. By the way, this mosque is the largest in Jaffa and the third in all of Israel.
The Mahmoud Mosque is not a single structure, but a large-scale ensemble that occupies an entire quarter in Jaffa. Jaffa. The complex is bounded on the east by Clock Square and Japhet Street, on the south by Mifrats Shlomo Street, on the west by Ruslan Street, and on the north by the Recif Ha – Aliya ha – Shnia Embankment.
You can enter the interior of the mosque through the central gate from Ruslan Street or through the gate from Clock Square. There is also an entrance on the south side, and there are others near them-almost no one knows about them, because they are hidden behind bars, in a narrow passage between shops.
There are almost no tourists in the Mahmoud Mosque, although this shrine belongs to such places in Jaffa that you should definitely see it. The atmosphere of the East is especially felt there! Inside the complex there are three spacious courtyards, a women’s part (men are not allowed to enter there), a ritual pool. In one of the courtyards there is an original sundial made of white marble, resembling a huge mushroom.
Shuk ha-Peshpeshim Flea Market
After enjoying the sights of the old city, you can wander around the Jaffa flea market. It is located at the intersection of Yerushalayim Avenue and Yehuda Ha-Yamit Street. The main street where sales are held – Olei Zion, and the surrounding streets form a large shopping area.
The flea market can be compared to the museum of the city of Jaffa and Israel, where there are a lot of attractions, and where you do not need to pay for their inspection. Here they sell absolutely everything, from second-rate consumer goods to valuable rarities: old bronze lamps, various figurines, old equipment, children’s toys from different times, moth-eaten carpets.
On a note! Prices are high for everything, you need to bargain – sellers expect it! The price can be reduced by 2-5 times!
But even if you do not buy anything, but just walk around the shopping malls and see the “museum exhibits” – a lot of fun is provided! Sellers are very active in offering everything they sell. And they can tell a special legend about almost any subject.
Useful to know! Experienced tourists recommend making purchases only if the item is really very attractive, or if you are a true connoisseur of antiquities. In this market, items that have no value are often offered under the guise of rarities.
There are bars and restaurants around the shopping area. After shopping or after a walk, you can have a delicious meal in a cozy, colorful restaurant.
The Jaffa Old Town Flea Market is open Sunday-Thursday from 10: 00 to 21: 00, Friday from 10: 00 to the afternoon, and Saturday is a day off.
Where to stay in Jaffa
Finding accommodation in the old town will not be a big problem, as the choice of hotels in different price categories is quite good. But the average price of accommodation in the city of Jaffa is higher than in many cities of Israel.
Next to the flea market, the stylish Cityinn Jaffa Apartments is set in a historic building dating back to the 1890s. This amount will be charged per night (in winter and summer, respectively).:
- in a standard double room 79 € and 131 €;
- the superior 1-bedroom apartments are 115 € and 236 €.
The 4* Market House-An Atlas Boutique Hotel is located just 300 meters from the sandy beach and the sea promenade, in close proximity to all the attractions of Jaffa. Prices for winter and summer accommodation per night:
- in a standard double room 313 € and 252 €;
- in a family room for two people 398 € and 344 € 252.
Just 500 metres from the old port, the modern Margosa Tel Aviv Jaffa offers overnight accommodation for two people at these prices (winter and summer respectively):
- standard room 147-219 € and 224-236 €;
- luxury 200-310 € and 275-325 €.
Old Jaffa Hostel is located in one of the busiest areas of old Jaffa, in the middle of a flea market. In addition to the common rooms, there are also classic double rooms-suites. In winter, such housing will cost 92 €, in summer a little more expensive-97 €.
How to get to Jaffa from Tel Aviv
The port city of Jaffa is, in fact, the southern edge of Tel Aviv. This old Israeli landmark can be reached from the modern metropolis on foot, by bus or taxi.
Convenient walking distance from the waterfront (taelet) Tel Aviv and its central beaches. A small distance of a couple of kilometers can be covered in 20 minutes, and the road is pleasant-along the sandy shore.
If you need to get from the center of the metropolis, it is better to use public transport. From Ha-Hagana Railway Station and Tahana Merkazit Main Bus Station, Jaffa is served by buses No. 10, 46 and minibus No. 16 (ticket costs €3.5). You need to go to the Jaffa Court stop. To return to Tel Aviv, you first need to get to the Arlozorov stop in Jaffa, and then choose the appropriate route from there.
A taxi ride from downtown Tel Aviv to old Jaffa costs €10. However, you need to check that the driver has turned on the meter, otherwise you will have to pay more.
Important! Do not plan a visit to Jaffa (Israel) on Saturday: on this day, most of the museums, salons and shops are closed, and transport does not go.
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